Local authorities boosted by £2.2million fund to tackle air pollution and encourage move to EV taxis

Local authorities across England have been granted more than £2.2 million in government funding to deliver innovative projects to improve air quality.

The money, from the government’s Air Quality Grant, supports schemes which help councils develop and implement measures to benefit schools, businesses and residents, reducing the impact on people’s health and creating cleaner and healthier environments.

Proposals receiving funding include projects and campaigns to:

reduce harmful emissions outside schools;

encourage the take up of electric taxis;

encourage more active transport through education, awareness, and the creation and improvement of cycling and pedestrian routes;

and collect further data on the exposure to air pollution by vulnerable groups in order to better design future policies.

The £2,273,367 awarded in this round of funding means that more than £64 million has been awarded through the Air Quality Grant since it was launched in 1997.

Environment Minister Rebecca Pow said: “While air pollution has reduced significantly in recent decades, we know the impact that it continues to have on communities in the UK. That is why the government is committed to not only improving air quality on a national level, but also helping local authorities take action in their own areas.

”The projects supported by this latest round of funding demonstrate how local authorities can deliver innovative solutions for their communities, and we’ll be working with them closely to offer ongoing support.”

Transport Minister Rachel Maclean said: “It’s important that we improve air quality in communities across the country, and these grants will help local authorities create cleaner, healthier places to live.